There are only three games on the NBA slate tonight. Therefore, I’ve asked the AI Model for the best bet on each game in the NBA. Before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks, take a look at its projections and picks for the three games tonight.
Picks Summary
- Trail Blazers/Hornets Over 220.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook (check our Caesars Sportsbook Review)
- 76ers +10.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
- Pelicans/Grizzlies Under 244.5 (-110) at Bet365
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets
Friday, January 24, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Spectrum Center
The AI Model suggests Portland and Charlotte will score 223 points in tonight’s contest. Meanwhile, Caesars Sportsbook currently has the total at 220.5. Thus, the over is the play in this game.
Can Portland Finally Find Some Offense?
The Portland Trail Blazers rank 27th in points per 100 possessions. However, they’ll have a better matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, who have allowed 115.3 points per 100 possessions.
The Blazers should see more quality looks from the floor, which could potentially reduce their turnovers and free throws against the Hornets. Charlotte is only good on the defensive glass defensively. Everything else is below average.
Portland Is No Better On Defense!
The Portland Trail Blazers also rank 25th in defensive points per 100 possessions, allowing a 55.3% effective field goal percentage. Most of all, the Blazers have allowed 31.6% of offensive rebounds, and the Hornets have gained 30.9% of offensive rebounds.
Charlotte should add a bunch of second-chance points tonight.
The Pick
Ride the AI Model and consider backing the Over.
NBA Pick: Trail Blazers/Hornets Over 220.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Friday, January 24, 2025 – 07:00 PM ET at Wells Fargo Center
Our AI Model predicts the 76ers will only lose to the Cavaliers 118-110. That’s significant because the 76ers are currently +10.5 at most sportsbooks. Clearly, the AI Model likes Philadelphia against the spread here.
Can Philadelphia Be Sneaky?
Most basketball fans know just how good the Cleveland Cavaliers have been this year. The offense is clicking on all levels, scoring 122.8 points per 100 possessions while shooting a 58.9% effective field goal percentage.
Don’t expect that to stop. However, the Cavaliers, who have turned the ball over 12.7% of the time this season, will face a Philadelphia defense that has added 17.3% of turnovers. The 76ers could be sneaky and create more turnovers, keeping Cleveland below its average in points tonight.
Can Philadelphia Also Win The Foul Line Battle?
In a world where the Philadelphia 76ers win the turnover battle and get to the foul line more often, it’s unlikely that they will outshoot the Cavaliers. But if Philadelphia could gain more turnovers and get to the foul line more often, that would give them a chance to pull off an upset.
The Pick
Let’s roll with the 76ers at +10.5.
NBA Pick: 76ers +10.5 (-110) at Bet365
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Friday, January 24, 2025 – 08:00 PM ET at FedExForum
The AI Model believes the Pelicans and Grizzlies will combine for 244.5 points in tonight’s game. However, the total is currently at 244.5. The Under is the best bet in this matchup.
How Will The Pelicans Score?
The New Orleans Pelicans have scored just 109.4 points per 100 possessions. That’s 25th in the NBA. But to make matters worse, the Pelicans have added a 51% effective field goal percentage, which ranks 29th in the NBA.
You might see the Pelicans make it to the foul line more frequently. They’re also capable of adding some second chances on the glass. Still, New Orleans isn’t shooting the ball well, leading them to be a bottom-five offense in the NBA.
Meanwhile, they’ll take on a Memphis defense that ranks 5th in the NBA in defensive points per 100 possessions. The Grizzlies have allowed just a 52.3% effective field goal percentage and have earned nearly 16% of turnovers. The Pelicans should struggle to find consistent offense.
Watch The Turnovers!
The Memphis Grizzlies have shot a 56.3% effective field goal percentage. They’ve also delivered on 32.4% of offensive rebounds. Ultimately, the Grizzlies will be fine on offense.
It’s just that their turnovers should hold them back a bit. After all, the Grizzlies have turned the ball over 16% of the time, which could hurt their ability to score consistently.
The Pick
The Grizzlies will be offensively fine but should keep New Orleans below their average tonight. Grab the Under.
NBA Pick: Pelicans/Grizzlies Under 244.5 (-110) at Bet365
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*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
